#act: rosie marcel

[stiles-o-dylan24]

You Calm My Chaos Chapter 1 - Always and Forever

Author: @stiles-o-dylan24​​​  Pairing: Klaus x Rosie (eventually) Word Count: 2.5k Warnings: language, canon violence, mentions of needles, blood, pregnancy, hints of unwanted pregnancy, A/N: officially in the originals episodes, let's do this! This episode was really just an extended version of what happened in the TVD episode so I'm sorry it's short! SERIES SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

|| << PREV ||  MASTERLIST  || NEXT>> ||

After Elijah leaves to go and talk to Klaus, more of the witches from her coven show up in the Mausoleum with us to talk to Sophie. 

“Marcel and his vampires are out of control– something has to be done” Sophie tells the others and Agnes scoffs lightly “And the solution is to bring in more vampires?”

“These aren’t just any vampires, Agnes. They’re the Originals.”

Agnes shakes her head at her and continues “What makes you think you can control the hybrid?”

“She can’t” Elijah’s voice says from behind us all of a sudden and we all turn around to look at him while he continues “I’m not entirely certain that I can, either,” he walks closer towards Sophie “But now that your coven has drawn his ire, I have a question– what prevents my brother from murdering you instead of cooperating?”

Sophie makes a face and reaches over to grab a needle, lifting it up to show Elijah. She sticks the needle into her hand and I immediately gasp, lifting up my hand and seeing the blood appearing on my hand “Ow!”

Elijah looks over at me, his eyes taking in the blood on my hand and I glare over at her “What the hell is this?”

Sophie forces a smile and explains “The spell my sister performed, the one that got her killed? It didn’t just confirm the pregnancy. It linked me to Rosemary– so anything that happens to me, happens to her, which means her life is in my hands. Klaus may have made his decision that her and this baby don’t actually mean to him what we thought they did, however it’s very clear what they already mean to you. If I have to hurt Rosemary– or worse– to ensure that I have your attention, I will.”

Elijah looks over at me, slightly amused before he directs his words towards her “You would dare threaten an Original?”

“I have nothing to lose” Sophie shrugs, shaking her head like she fully believes those words to be true “You have until midnight to get Klaus to change his mind.”

Elijah walks over to me and pulls me off to the side, holding his hand up towards one of the witches who wants to argue this “I just need a moment to speak with her.”

They back off and I cross my arms over my chest, trying to breathe out all of my nervousness and Elijah softens his face “I cannot excuse his behavior but I want to ensure you know that he is acting out, letting his anger take control because he is scared– this has nothing to do with you.”

I nod my head softly, shrugging my shoulders “I mean it has a little to do with me.”

“The most happiness I’ve seen from Niklaus has been since he’s known you– there’s peace in his eyes when he looks at you,” Elijah says and I slowly look up at him, watching as he softens his face and continues “I saw it that first night at the ball and I saw it even more in his eyes just now before he shut you out– he wants this... he wants this with you.”

I’m not sure exactly what to say to that because I saw the same thing tonight, there was a moment where he was looking at my stomach and the look in his eyes was something I have never seen before. I also watched his walls go up before he so easily threw me away– which stung and even if Elijah can convince him that he does actually want this... I don’t know how ‘in this’ I will be with him. 

⋇・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・゜゜・.・⋇

Midnight comes entirely too quickly for my liking and Agnes is all too happy to point that out “His time is up– what’re you gonna do now, Sophie?”

“I’m gonna do what I said I was gonna do” Sophie answers and I sit up a little straighter, looking over at Sabine when she says “What, kill the girl? Kill yourself?”

“Klaus does not care about the child” Agnes states and Elijah’s voice thankfully chimes in “I do.”

Elijah walks into the mausoleum and he’s carrying a body wrapped in a blanket, continuing to direct his words to Sophie “And I bring in proof of my intent to help you– the body of your fallen friend, which I procured from Marcel himself.”

“Jane-Anne” Sophie mutters and Elijah nods his head, the look on his face genuine “May she be granted peace. Klaus will agree to your terms. I just need a little more time.”

“You had your time– it’s passed” Agnes remarks angrily and Sophie turns to her “Shut up, Agnes!”

Elijah looks between them, his eyes flashing over to me for a moment before he looks back at Sophie “For now, accept the deal– Rose and the child remain unharmed, or Klaus will kill you all,” he starts to walk away, nodding once at me before he turns around again “And I will help him.”

Once Elijah has left the witches start to prepare to lay Jane-Anne’s body to rest. Her body is clad in white and they lay her down, surrounding her body with flowers before Sophie starts to perform rituals around her sister’s body. 

I feel like I really shouldn’t be here, however, I can’t stop watching what the coven is doing to lay Jane-Anne’s soul to rest. There is sadness to everything they’re doing but there is also a beauty to it all. It’s very peaceful and comforting to see.

Sophie kisses her fingers and presses them to her sister’s forehead, holding her fingers there for a few more moments before everyone is silent.

Elijah arrives a little while later and he has a triumphant look on his face when he stops in front of Sophie, the rest of her coven standing behind her. 

“Klaus has agreed to your terms and says that you have yourself a deal.”

✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆⋇⋆✦

After my graduation and saying my see you later, if I'm ever able to leave New Orleans again, to everyone in Mystic Falls, Elijah drives us to a massive white house outside of the city.

He rounds the middle of the circle driveway and parks in front of the house. I lean forward to look out the windshield at the house at the same time I open my passenger door. Elijah moves to stand in the open door and holds his hand out to help me out of the car.

I set my hand in his and while I stand up out of the car I look up at the house and raise my brows towards him, asking slowly “So who lives here exactly?”

He just smiles and nods his head towards the house, stating simply “You do.”

With that revelation we walk inside and I slowly look around, shaking my head at the expanse of the inside “Umm, I don't think–”

“This way, Rose” Elijah interrupts and has me follow him up the stairs. On the way I notice how every piece of furniture in every room is covered with white sheets and I can't help but wonder who used to live here.

Elijah leads me into one room in particular and indicates I should pull off one of the sheets. I do as he silently directs and immediately start coughing from all the dust that is disturbed from the sheet. I move my hand over my mouth and cough again while I look at the crib that the sheet was previously covering. 

Elijah looks over in concern, asking “Are you alright?” and I cough again, waving him off “It's just dust– when's the last time anyone was here? This place feels ancient”

Elijah smiles softly, nodding his head as he looks around the room “Yes, it's been quite some time, however, it should serve our purposes," he looks at me again, continuing "It’s a sanctuary from our business in the Quarter. Right now, you are the most important person in this family, Rose and you need a good home.” 

I quickly look back at him with his words and he slightly tilts his head to the side “Forgive me but I’m curious… in all this time, has anyone asked you how you feel?”

“About having some miracle baby with my psychotic soulmate?” I try to joke, Klaus' conversation with me the other night not really making me feel better about the whole thing... even if he did seem genuine in his apology. I told him I needed to think everything over about this while I went to my graduation... however, the past two days didn't really give me any more clarity.

Elijah barely smiles, correcting what he truly was asking “About being a mother.”

Silently I breathe out deeply, looking down for a moment before I look up at him again “Klaus actually asked if this would be something I wanted once”

“He did?” Elijah asks and I chuckle softly “Yeah, it was brought up when I asked him if he would ever want the cure so he could have kids of his own– wasn’t aware he had his own loophole on that topic but anyways” I shake my head, looking back at him “I was abandoned as a baby, did you know that?”

Elijah shakes his head and I nod slowly, continuing “I was brought to my dad’s doctor office by some firefighters–" I chuckle sadly, admitting "Or well, that's what I've been told followed by there isn't anything else my parents knew about me... not even the day I was actually born." I clear my throat and continue "I had amazing parents– the perfect family for the next sixteen years until they died but I have always been terrified I would never be able to live up to how good of a mom she was, even more so now that she's gone and she wouldn't be here to help me do this–" I pause, feeling the ever present wave of hormones hitting me and making me want to cry even more than usual.

I sniffle and cross my arms over my chest, trying to keep my voice strong while I look at him again and tell him honestly "So to answer your question… I really don’t know how to feel about becoming a mother because I never thought I would be one. I have never actually thought I would be a good mom and ever since I’ve been told I have this baby growing inside of me I have this terrible feeling in my gut that I’m going to fail this baby– that I’m not going to be able to protect them from everything bad in our lives, including me.”

“That’s exactly why you’re going to be an amazing mother, sweet Rose” he says and my brow twitches with his words, the wave of tears threatening to move even stronger. Elijah smiles softly and continues “I will be here to help you through motherhood every step of the way. Like it or not you have me as a brother now," I chuckle gratefully with his words, reaching up to wipe under my eyes and he smiles, continuing "And I will always protect you, Rose– you have my word on that.”

“And noble Elijah always keeps his word” Klaus’ voice interrupts our bonding moment and we look over at the doorway. Klaus is leaning against the doorframe, smiling hesitantly towards me.

I spin away from his soft eyes and hesitant smile, walking towards another sheet to pull off and revealing a dresser underneath.

“Is it done?” Elijah asks and I look over my shoulder at them, watching as Klaus nods and slowly looks away from me to look at his brother “As a matter of fact, yes– your underhanded deal worked quite well. Marcel was only too happy to accept my blood even as he accepted my heartfelt apologies. His man, Thierry, yet lives and I remain a welcome guest in the French Quarter. My only concern now is this coven of impudent witches.”

“I believe them to be honorable” Elijah says, lifting his hand out to indicate towards me while he continues “They did release Rose to me, although they haven’t been entirely forthcoming. Marcel obviously has something they need– they don’t want him dead and there must be a reason why.”

"Yes, well–" Klaus nods, looking at me quickly before looking back at Elijah "We will figure it out easy enough."

Elijah looks between us and makes a noise, offering "I will grab your bags from the car–"

"Oh I can do that" I interject, however, he's already moving towards the door "Not in your condition– I have them."

"My condition?" I scoff "It's two duffle bags Elijah" I grumble unhappily that he's already leaving me alone and watch through the railing as he waves me off and descends the stairs.

When I look over at Klaus again I see that he's brave enough to smirk towards me, teasing "Afraid to be alone with me, love?"

I glare at him, setting my hands on my hips "You really think this boils down to me just not wanting to be alone with you?" I say and his smirking face falters a bit while he admits "No, I imagine there's a bit more to it than that."

I laugh once with no humor behind it and look away from him, my eyes settling on the crib once more "It's been two days, I'm sorry but I need more time."

Klaus steps further into the room and leans back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest "I told you to take all the time you needed, love and I meant it," he pauses and I slowly look over at him, seeing him smile sadly before he continues "I need you to stay in this house and make sure you never leave or ever go into the Quarter" I make a noise, however, he doesn't let me say anything while he finishes with "And you cannot tell anyone, even Caroline or Elena that you're here."

"What?" I draw my brows together harshly, scoffing in the back of my throat "You want me to stay here alone? For nine months? Without telling my family? Are you insane?"

"For the time being yes I need you to do this" he corrects, keeping his unwavering eyes connected to mine while he informs "It's not safe for you in the Quarter and you won't be alone in the house all the time– I will be staying here with you–" he pauses, continuing on a little nervously "If you'll have me that is."

"It's your house" I remark with just a hint of sarcasm and he tilts his head to the side "This is your home now, Rosie– if you want it to be."

|| << PREV ||  MASTERLIST  || NEXT>> ||

A/N: Thanks so much for being here and reading! As always let me know what you thought– comments & reblogs give me life!

You Calm My Chaos Taglist: @justafangirlduh​ • @lemmereaditall • @imuimu30 • @fandom-princess-forevermore​ • @sheerfreesia007​ • @bilesxbilinskixlahey •

Klaus Taglist: @hoodpankow​ • @justafangirlduh​ • @destynelseclipsa​ • @nadinesheta • @fandom-princess-forevermore • @pokemonaora • @ruinherselff • @rafej-cambanks​ • @bathtimejish • @azazel-nyx • @notacluelessblonde00 • @Isayheysohey • @bilesxbilinskixlahey •

Everything Taglist: @lettersofwrittencollective • @stixnstripesworld​ • @kellyashcroft​ • @lemmereaditall • @marauderskeeper • BOLD BLOGS I COULDN’T TAG, SORRY!!

Join my Taglist here

SEND AN ASK HERE if you’d like to be removed from any of the taglists, no worries if you do and I won’t post the ask so it’s just between us💛

Please do not copy and paste my writing anywhere without my consent. This work is property of @stiles-o-dylan24​. Also posted on wattpad under the same username and ao3 under stilesodylan24. These characters aren’t mine but this fanfiction is.     These works contain material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.     No part of these works may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author/publisher.

Posted: 11 September 2023

[talesofpassingtime]

The act of pressing Albertine’s hand had a sensual sweetness which was in keeping somehow with the rosy, almost mauve colouring of her skin. That pressure seemed to allow you to penetrate into the girl’s being, to plumb the depths of her senses, like the ringing sound of her laughter, indecent as may be the cooing of doves or certain animal cries.

— Marcel Proust, Within a Budding Grove  

[lonelier-version-of-you]

Since I you mention it so much, I've just been rewatching Group Animal Part One and Two for the first since it aired because I was so upset over it lmao and it's reduced me to an emotional wreck all over again. I have so many feels rn and I don't know how to handle it. Fuck. And I have to go to work in a few hours. How the fuck am I supposed to concentrate thinking about Ollie and Jac and Raf dying alone in the lift and Guy Henry's bloody incredible heartwrenching acting 😭!

I was gonna be like "I know it's upsetting but it's so good that HOW can you have not seen it since it aired until now" but then I remembered I was exactly the same with We Need To Talk About Fredrik. It's also a masterpiece of an episode but I never rewatched it until August 2020.

But yeah, OOF. It is one heartbreaking episode (well, two heartbreaking episodes). And Guy was just brilliant. All the actors were on their A-game, to be honest. Rosie Marcel, Jaye Jacobs, and Hermione Gulliford are just a few who come to mind that also deserve acknowledgement.

[josephbyrne]

[ridiculously-over-obsessed]

I SWEAR TO GOD IF THEY KILL OF JAC NAYLOR IMMA LOSE MY SHIT.

[karasunoparkinglot]

Welcome Home (Reiner x Reader)

• Word Count: ~2.3k

• Pairing: Reiner Braun x fem!reader 

• Warnings: Possible Spoilers. Beginning of Season 4.

You had been waiting for this day for a while now - in fact, you’ve been waiting years. The last time you saw Reiner was when you were both twelve years old, just before he left for Paradis island. You were meant to go with him and the others, but you were gravely injured not long before, making you unworthy to be one of the nine.

However, you grew up with the group that became the nine. You were close with all of them, going through hell and back in training together. But the person you were closest to was Reiner Braun. You did not know why the two of you got on so well, something just, clicked. Maybe it was because you always had a crush on him, always found yourself near him.

The last day you saw one another, you both admitted to having a crush on each other. But you were kids. You doubted that Reiner would still feel the same after nine years, especially after everything he had been through. But for you, he never left your mind. You tried to date different men, see other people, even got with a few women, but no matter how good the time you spend with them was, all you could think about was  him .

How did he look now? How did he act? Did he remember you? 

Those were the thoughts running through your head as you waited for the warriors to return. You stood with his family - yours had died just over a year ago, and the Brauns were nice enough to take you in, not that you needed it, but it was nice not to be alone.

Your foot impatiently tapped the floor as the warriors came flooding in. Gabi Braun was the first one to catch your attention, not that you saw her - for a little girl, she had a loud voice. You knew she was somewhere in the crowd with  him. You bit your lip nervously as the soldiers hugged their families, tears of happiness streaming down their faces.

Moments later, Gabi emerged from the crowd, and just behind her stood Reiner. You felt your breath get caught in your throat. You knew he would look different, there was no doubt, but he looked so grown up, that it caught you a little of guard. Of all the times you envisioned how he looked over the years, you never really came close. His hair was nearly identical to when he was younger, and his golden orbs caught your attention like they always did. Though before they use to show a glint of mischievousness, but now they were hard and emotionless. His face was chiselled, though furrowed with deep lines. His goatee fit his face well, and you could not believe how handsome he had become.

“Reiner,” his mum called, catching his attention. He looked over. “You must be tired. Come home and rest.” His expression softened when he saw his family, though you were sure he had not seen you yet as you were standing behind everyone.

“Mom...I think I will.” Reiner walked over to his family, they greeted each other politely, but no big questions were asked as they started to make their way to the house. You swallowed nervously, still hidden anyway, he still had not seen you. You let everyone walk by, and as Reiner passed, you found your voice.

“Reiner…” His head turned, and instantly his eyes widened. You felt a weight off your shoulders - he recognized you. All the nervous worry you had been feeling that day washed away, and you smiled softly up at him. It was a first, to look up at him, when you were younger you were always the same height. But now he stood over six foot, and it was the first time you were happy you were on the taller side.

He stood a step closer to you and mumbled your name as if he was unsure it was you he was actually seeing. You nodded, suddenly, a different type of nerves filled every fibre in your body. You could not believe after nine years; he still made you feel like that.

“How are you?” he asked. You could see he was battling with himself whether to step closer or not, his arms were slightly raised as if he wanted to go for a hug, but decided against it.

“I’m good.” Your eyes glanced away, feeling slight heat rushing to your cheeks. “How are you?” you forced herself to look back up.

“Good,” the same soft expression from before returned to his face, “happy to be home.”

The two of you walked beside each other as you made your way back to the Braun household. Not many words were exchanged between the two of you, knowing that any questions you asked could lead to something far deeper than intended. You mainly glanced over to him multiple times, trying your best not to get caught checking him out, though you were sure he knew.

Reiner sat at the head of the table, you were to his left, slowly finishing your food as Gabi explained the events of what happened the days prior. You listened carefully, smiling softly, memories of training as a child flooding through your mind.

“She reminds me of you,” Reiner whispered beside you, catching you off guard.

“Me?” You chuckled lightly, and shook your head, “I was far off. Think your memory is a little off.”

“Okay, maybe you weren’t as loud, thankfully,” you both lightly chuckled. “But how Gabi goes around things, how her brain works in battle reminds me of how you were during training. Even though you were not as strong or fast, you would always win because of your plans.” You looked to your food, trying to hide your rosy cheeks, feeling touched he remembered such a small detail. “We needed your plans out there.” Your eyes widened at the last comment. You knew ‘out there’ meant Paradis Island.

Before you could reply, the conversation moved from Gabi to Reiner. Questions were asked about his time at Paradis Island, and you were surprised he was happy to talk about it. You kept your eyes on the empty plate as he spoke. With each word, your hand tightened into a fist. It sounded terrible. You should have been there to help Reiner, Annie, Bertholdt and Marcel. Suddenly, you stood, the scarping of the chair across the floor caught everyone’s attention.

“Excuse me,” you nodded, picking up your plate and heading to the kitchen. The plate clattered as you dropped it into the sink. Your hand gripped the sides of the counter, holding your body weight as your head hung low. Memories swamped your brain. After a moment, you lifted your left hand and balled it into a fist, before slamming it down onto the counter.

“What’s wrong?” Reiner entered the kitchen, seeing your actions. You jumped at his sudden presence beside you; you only met his eyes for a moment.

“Nothing.” You answered.

He huffed a laugh, making your eyebrows pull together. He leaned his back on the counter and brought his arms across his chest. “Somethings never change.” You looked up at him, your frown unchanging. “You were like this when we were kids. Stubborn-”

“I’m not stubborn!”

“-and you would never admit when something was wrong.”

He gave you a knowing look. You sighed and looked back down to the sink. You closed your eyes, trying to relax. “I should have been there,” you said after a moment of silence. “I should have gone with you guys to Paradis Island.”

“Would have been useless with your injury.”

“I could have turned into a Titan and then healed!” You pushed yourself upright, unable to control your emotions.

“And then you wouldn’t be here right now!” He stood tall, towered over you with a hard expression. You swallowed nervously, but you did not back down.

“You said it yourself, with my plans maybe we could have won!”

“Maybe. Or maybe we could have still lost, and I would have lost you too!” You looked away, breathing hard. You did not know what else to say. You thought you were past the situation, that your anger had dwindled over time that you were unable to go to Paradis Island, but talking about it again relit the fire inside. “I’m glad I could come home to you,” his voice was softer. He placed his hand on top of yours.

You cheeks flared up again, and your heart was now racing for a different reason. You looked to him again; his eyes were soft, a touch of a smile on his face. You felt yourself start to calm. He always had that effect on you. Your temper was always an issue of sorts, mainly when to came to Porco. The two of you clashed like two bulls, and Reiner was always able to calm you down before any fists were thrown, the same way Peick was able to clam down Porco.

Suddenly, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around his torso. He was surprised by the action; nevertheless, he returned it - wrapping an arm around your shoulders and his other hand on the back of your head. “I’m happy your home,” you mumbled into his chest, tears stinging your eyes.

“I’m happy to be home too,” he replied, placing a gentle kiss on top of your head.

The two of you stood like that for a while, enjoying each other’s company. You looked up, placing your chin on his chest. “Want to go for a walk?”

“Sure.”

It was chilly as the two of you walked around. You knew Reiner did not want to talk about what had happened, so instead, the two of you reminisced as you recognized places you spent time together at as kids. The two of you talked and laughed. You were worried that with everything that happened, he would have PTSD, so it was nice to see he could relax and push away the horrible memories.

“Do you remember the one area where we could always hear music?” She asked. He nodded. “You still can hear it.”

“Really? I thought the woman would be dead by now. Wasn’t she like ninety?”

“Something like that, but still going strong.” You grinned, grabbing his hand and dragging him along. “Do you remember?”

“Remember what?”

“How to dance! Don’t tell me you forgot all those hours of me teaching you.”

Reiner chuckled. “I couldn’t forget even if I tried.”

“Good.” You stoped, four buildings surrounded the area you both stood in. You faced him, the music already entering your ears. “Dance with me.” You expected him to argue against it - that he didn’t want to, but instead, he took a step closer to you, one hand on your waist and the other in the air, waiting for you to take it.

“If you insist,” he smirked. You felt your stomach flip at the unexpected action. Your eyes glanced to your feet as you took his hand, your cheeks burned red, your other hand landing on his shoulder. After a few moments of moving gently to the music, you leaned forward and placed your head on his chest and closed your eyes, enjoying the moment. A few words were exchanged, though you mainly hummed in reply to what he said.

Suddenly, the music started to speed up, throwing off your rhythm. Reiner took a step back, opening the gap between the two of you. You giggled as he lifted his hand and rotated his wrist, making you spin on the spot.

“REINER!” You laughed as he continued spinning you.

“What? I just want to see all of you,” he replied nonchalantly. You blushed at the comment.

“Reiner, please! I’m getting really dizzy!”

“Alright then,” he stopped you, and just before you fell, he grabbed your waist. You looked at him, and even with the dizziness, you found yourself unable to stop your smile.

“Now I see two of you,” you muttered, your hands raised, and before he could say anything, you planted your hands on his cheeks hard. He winced at the impact. “Sorry, I didn’t know which was your real face.”

Reiner said nothing, and to your surprise, he leaned into your touch. His smile was small when he turned his head and placed a gentle kiss on your hand.

“I’ve missed you,” he mumbled, his hand left your waist and placed it on top of yours. “I never stopped thinking about you. You kept me going. I wanted to come back to you.”

You met eyes, both a dash of pink colouring your cheeks. You swallowed nervously before leaning forward; you glanced down to his lips for a moment before back to his eyes. He did the same. You pushed to your tiptoes; your lips hovered over his. His hot breath mixed with yours, he did not move, so slowly, you closed your eyes and leaned forward, connecting your lips with his.

At first, he did not move, and you were ready to pull away before his grip on your waist tightened, and his other hand moved from yours and placed it on your cheek. It was as though a bolt shot through him, and suddenly he was awake and hungry for more. He pushed forward, harshly kissing you - not that you minded it, in fact, it made your stomach fill with butterflies. His mouth opened, you followed suit, feeling the same hunger he did, your hand now running through his hair.

A sudden squeal left your lips at it started pouring down with rain.

“Shit, we’ve got to go!” You tried to run, but Reiner held your in place firmly.

“Do we though? I was enjoying it.”

“Who said we’re heading back to the house?” You answered with a coy smile. His eyes widened, a smirk forming.

“Then lead the way.”

[limbo-lord]

Session 1 Pt. 1

The small bustling town of Willowsdale was littered with colorful flyers that all have the same name advertised on them, The Circus of Discord. A young girl read them as she skipped by “The Barbaric Beast of Black Hollow” “The Athletic Acrobats” “The Keen Knife Thrower” “The Surreal Soothsayer” “The Resilient Ringleader”. The flyers showcased a silhouette declining the act it advertises. But, a flyer placed gently on top of a barrel caught her wandering eyes “The Comedic Clown”. A smile beaming with excitement spread across her face, her rosy cheeks rising with glee, and she tugged on her mother’s sleeve as a small group of three walked by to pass the sight.

A young golden skinned man, tall and lanky, with a mess of black hair that is just barely keeping a proper shape. A long cloak, as deep and blue as the sea, flows behind him with every step he takes. Black rimmed glasses sit on his face and frame his sunken silver eyes. His shoulders were low and he avoided eye contact with everyone who passed by.

A tiefling woman, built and blue, with jewelry decorating her face and hair. A large great axe shone on her back, glaring at those who passed by. The horns growing from her head and the tail dragging behind her steals looks from those around them. She wore a toothy grin, showing off her pointy teeth.

A quiet halfling woman with a green cloak hugging her shoulders. Her mismatched brown and green eyes were scanning every single store that they passed by. Her long cinnamon hair was braided and fell over her right shoulder.

The young man felt a crunch underneath of his foot and found a colorful flyer underneath of his foot. He peeled the flyer from the first road and read the words that were intricately written in swirly letters. “ The Circus of Discord: A Place Unlike Any Other!”.

“I suppose we’ve made it to Willowsdale,” he looked up from the flyer and said to the tiefling and halfling.

“Looks like it,” The tiefling grinned. “And with a day to spare! Good job with the directions Carlita.”

“Thanks,” the halfling responded, still not breaking her gaze from her surroundings. “Should we check in at the tavern?”

“You two go ahead,” The tiefling said. “I’m gonna have a look around town first.”

“If you insist,” the young man nodded. The three began to head their separate ways before he turned around once more towards the tiefling. “Keh’lani?”

“Yeah?” The tiefling turned back around.

“Would you like me to pay for your room? I still owe you for helping me with the kobolds.”

“Sweet! That’d be great, thanks!”

Keh’lani waved to the other two and then disappeared into the crowd. Despite her blue complexion compared to everyone else's, she left their view relatively quickly.

***

The door to the butcher’s shop creaks opened as a curious blue tiefling peaked her head through. At the counter the butcher, a stocky older looking man with a grayish beard hugging his chin, was shaking his head at what was on the counter before him. An elk laid sprawled out across the counter top, it’s head dangling in a twisted position. Keh’lani raised her eyebrows at it’s bulging eyes shrieking at her.

Across from the butcher, standing above the elk, a tall shabby looking man stood with a twinkling trident in his fist. His yellow straw for hair fell to his shoulders creating curtains around the stubble of his chin. His muscular arms were crossed into a tight shouldered position.

“I can’t give you any more than ten silver for this,” The butcher said, motioning to the mangled Elk.

“I spent six hours hunting for this,” the straw haired man hissed. The fist around his trident tightened with shaky rage.

“And too long getting it back, I’m not gonna get a lot of meat from it in this condition.”

“Look,” the man put his cracked hands on the edge of the counter before him and leaned over the carcass, it’s explosive smell now filling the entire shop. “Judging by how many elk I found out there, you need this and I am giving it to you. I’m sure you understand that all of us need to make a living. So, can you just let me give it to you for thirty gold. That’s my final offer.”

The butcher’s mustache twitched under his nose and he let out a smooth breathy laugh as he stared down at the elk. He looked back up at the blonde man across from him and leaned back.

“Then I guess you will just have to find business elsewhere.”

With that the scruffy looking man snatched the elk from the countertop and threw it over his shoulder along with his trident. He mumbled some words under his breath, in a language that Keh’lani was unable to understand, and stomped toward the door.

“That’s a nice elk you got there,” Keh’lani smiled. But, the man mumbled more words that she couldn’t understand and pushed past her, his eyes glaring daggers. Stepping out, he slammed the door hard enough that some of the meat hanging nearby shook. “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“Hunters have never really been social beings,” the butcher sighed and then looked at Keh’lani with a homely smile. “What can I do for you?”

***

Looking out on the bustling town stood a circle of trees and hills. Standing at the top of one of those hills were two figures. A pointy eared man with a dramatic purple hat looked down on the townspeople with a snide grin.

“Are you ready, my friend?” The man said to the one standing beside him.

A towering gaunt drow looking man, his pale complexion and chalky white hair causes his severely scarlet eyes to appear as if they are glowing. The twisted sticks and branches he wore around his head stuck out in jagged patterns from the sea of white that is his head. Draped around his shoulders and falling to his ankles was a blanket of woven leaves. He stood with curved posture, his sunken eyes also looking out onto the town.

“I guess,” the drow man shrugged.

“Well, I need to rejoin my circus. But, I wish you luck and do not be a stranger.” With that, the dramatic man turned and descended the grassy hill.

“Thanks, Marcel.” The drow whispered but his words did not reach the elf who had already disappeared into the lights of the town. He let in a deep sigh and nodded a good bye to the forest behind him.

***

The halfling women and young man made their way through the town towards the inn. The young man’s silver eyes float around the town as he walks. They darted away at the old man rambling on the street corner. They squinted at the small writing of a menu too far to read. They lingered on a few items laid out on a carpet for sale. A ring powdered with dust that showcases a glowing jewel, a pair of silk gloves with a unique sigil sewn into them that he recognized for exploration, and a steel lock and key both painted with rust that give off a recognizable energy. His feet began to wander toward the carpet when a tug on his cloak snapped him away.

At his knees Carlita stood, her green and brown eyes widened at him, pointing toward the direction they were walking. He lifted his head to see a crowd of people huddled together. He raised an ebony eyebrow at her and next thing he knew she was dragging him through the crowd.

“Hold on-” the young man started before getting a series of shoulders and elbows jabbed into him. People were holding bottles filled with a shiny purple liquid. As Carlita pushed to the middle of the crowd, a voice booming from it filled his ears.

In the middle of the crowd, up against the wall of the tavern, stood an elven woman. She wore a shit eating grin and had faded orange hair which fell under her pointed ears. Her hands wore white gloves that held out bottles of that mysterious purple liquid.

“Cure all elixirs!” She shouted to the crowds. “Cure any injuries, illnesses, or fatigues! Only fifty gold pieces!” Carlita and the young man both step forward toward the woman. “Why hello there! Are you up for an elixir? Only fifty gold pieces!”

“Hi,” the young man muttered. “Cure all elixirs? Are these healing potions?” The elven woman’s eyes widened and she leaned into conversation with the two of them.

“They’re even better than healing potions,” she whispered. “They come from my god The Enchantress.”

“They’re magic?”

“Even better.” The woman smiled at the young man and held out a bottle to him, the enchanted purple liquid shining within it. “You seem like you know magic.”

“Yes, I am interested in the properties of your elixirs.”

“Ya know what, I’ll give you a discount because I appreciate the interest. Thirty gold just for you.”

The young man’s eyebrows raised and he looked down at his halfling friend. Carlita only looked at him with dead eyes and lifted her shoulders in a shrug. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out thirty shimmering gold coins and dropped them in the palm of the elven lady who curled her fingers around them. She handed the shining bottle to the young man and stuck out her hand.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” she smiled. “The name’s Liz Lightfire.”

“Dante,” the young man said and shook her hand. “And this is Carlita. Lightfire, do you happen to be related to-”

“Yes, my father is the famous apothecary of Etherbright. But, I just travel, selling my product and spreading the word of the Enchantress.”

“Interesting.”

“You two don’t exactly seem like the usual crowd of this town. What are you doing here?”

“That would be correct, we aren’t from here. We came to see the circus.” At the mention of the circus Liz’s eyes lit up.

“You two are here for the circus as well!”

“Well,” Dante said looking around, “we had a third with us but she’s gone off somewhere.”

“Ya know what,” Liz threw her arms around Dante and Carlita, the height differences putting her soldiers at more of a slant. “You’re going to the circus, I’m going to the circus, I can tell we will be great friends.”

“Friends?” The young ebony haired man muttered.

“Of course! Have you guys already got your rooms?”

“Well, not yet, we were on our way to go check in. Have you? Since, you were kind enough to give me a discount on my purchase it would only be fair for me to repay the favor by paying for your room-”

“That would be great!” Liz began to stuff some of her bottles back into a bag. “I really appreciate it…” Liz lifted her eyebrow as she looked at the bottle in her hand. Her head then whipped around at a kid carrying a suspiciously full sack on his back. “Hey! Those are my bottles!”

When she shouted at the messy haired kid his eyes widened and he ran into the crowd, disappearing before anyone could figure out where. Carlita began to run after him when Liz put a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry about it,” she said to the halfling. “They were just a few bottles, I’ve got plenty.”

***

Celeborne roams through the people-filled streets of Willowsdale, standing tall above everybody’s heads. The eyes of those around him seared into the white haired man’s skin causing discomfort to rise in his chest. Heat flushing his cheeks from the attention, he took a turn to step into an alleyway when something slammed into his leg followed by a crashing sound.

His ruby eyes looked down to see a young boy at his feet looking up at him with widened eyes. A bag was at the boy's side and it had broken bottles leaking out of it. A peculiar purple liquid covered the smashed bottles and opening of the bag, darkening it’s color.

“Hey kid, you should watch where you’re going,” Celeborne said, reaching for the bag next to the boy. But, all the boy did was swipe his hand away and cry over the broken bottles. Celeborne’s eyebrows furrowed at the sight before him. “What even are these bottles?”

“Hey!” The white haired man whipped his head around at the shout of someone else approaching him, a blonde man with a lifeless elk hanging over his shoulder. The man stomped toward him with a furious look on his face. “What the hell are you doing to his kid?”

“What?” Celeborne’s face was filled with disbelief. “The kid ran into me! I don’t know what the fuck he’s doing.”

“Yeah, sure, this kid who is one fourth your ran into you.” The blonde man looked down at the crying child and then back at the drow. “Get out of here.”

“Don’t need to tell me twice,” Celeborne snapped and made his way out of the alley.

***

The bell to the door of the tavern rang as the shaggy blonde man stepped in. Eyes stared at the lifeless elk bouncing over his shoulder.

“Welcome back Braxton,” the owner of the tavern, a curly haired woman, said.

“Yeah,” Braxton muttered and dragged his feet to his room.

***

Small break from the storytelling format? Just for time reasons I’m only going to fully write out the important parts of each session. So, what happened next? Braxton tried to carve up the elk in his room, but he didn't know how to properly do it, so the elk’s blood spewed all over him. He walked out to go clean himself up at the lake when in the hall he saw Keh’lani and Celeborne again this time with Dante, Liz, and Carlita. The five had met up and Dante decided to pay for all of their rooms. Celeborne also decided to pay for everyone’s tickets, because he gets a discount as a friend of Marcel, in favor of the free room. Celeborne commented on all of the blood Braxton was covered in so Braxton told him to piss off.

Down at the lake, Braxton washed his clothes when he met a mysterious man named Vincent. Braxton didn’t take much of a liking to Vincent and watched as he headed back in the direction of the circus caravans. The next day was the night of the circus and the group went to go watch the performance, well all except Braxton who went hunting instead. Stay tuned for part two!

[everything-naylor]

(Rosie Marcel demonstrates off-the-scale acting brilliance for the 828338th time)

[queerchoicesblog]

La Vie Bohème

Hiya, folks! So, as previously announced, the wlw writing project continues after a break with a miniseries set back in the City of Lights - & Love - at the time of the Belle Epoque, at the turn of the century.

The story of Élodie and Léa continues: what’s next?

Next chapter out on Monday, I think!

TRIGGER WARNING: mentions to homophobia, reference to sexual activity (if you are a minor or it bothers you in any way, you have been warned)

Tagging: @scottishqueer​

Previous chapters: Paris, Paris ; One Night At The Moulin Rouge , The Handkerchief, The Cage of Fools

Hope you enjoy it: if you do, please consider spreading the word!

_______________________________

The following day I wake up late, around lunchtime. My roommates are all out: Marie left me a note saying she's out for a walk with Alain. Poor Marie, what a concerned look she gave me last night when she saw me sneaking inside our room without my coat! I had to craft a wild story to justify my attire and being so late. I can only hope she believed me...at least, she didn't ask too many questions. I head to the kitchen and warm up the stew leftover my friend saved for me. The events of the night are blurred, they waltz together in a haze: the Moulin Rouge, the Cage of Fools and the jigs I danced with Élodie, her perfume, her laughter, the violet a gallant admirer sent me, then the gendarmes, the clash of their batons, our mad run. The sad look on Élodie's face, the little kiss she pressed on my knuckles parting.

I wash myself and head out for a walk too, wrapping myself in the only other coat I have, much lighter than the lost one. My neighbourhood is certainly not renewed for attractions but it's Sunday and everyone is out to enjoy their day off. Some kids almost collide with me while chasing each other while an old lady nearby invites every passerby to try her apple tart, cheap and decadent, she repeats. Last night was the wildest night I've ever had in my whole life. After the initial embarrassment, I felt incredidibly...happy. I felt like floating on air when Élodie spun me in her arms or when we had a toast at our new friendship. Why did it end so soon? Who called the gendarmes and why they wanted to arrest those people who were just having fun? I don't get it...people crossdress every day now on the stages of cabaret theatres and no one ever complains. Their acts receive thunderous applauses and some artists have adoring fans every night. Why is it so different to call for a mass arrest? The men and women at the Cage of Fools were just doing what popular crossdress artists do: singing, dancing, making sure everybody was merry and bright. Was it because of the two men kissing a few tables away from where we sat? Nobody cared there, I didn't care, honestly. But now that I think of it, that might be the cause. Crossdressing performers never kiss each other on stage. I walk up to a hill into a second hand marketplace, hoping to find a replacement for my old coat I can afford. Could it be that my friend Élodie is a...how do they call them? A sapphic? I heard the word for the first time when I worked as a maid at the uncle Yves' client house. Madame pronounced it with ill grace, speaking of one of their acquaintances while I served breakfast. When I went back to the kitchen, I asked the cook the meaning of the unknown word, that I assumed a fancy insult: my masters wanted to play the role of the rich and the rich don't share the same language with us commoners. They invent new words, more fitted to their uptown world, not tainted with the smell of the street. The lady got all red and threw me a cloth, scolding me for eavesdropping a conversation and warning me to mind my own business. Needless to say my curiosity ran wild and I finally got an answer a few days later when I asked to the maid of a visiting guest. Could it be? The following week is pretty eventful: an important commission and Marie receiving a letter from home, urging her to go back to Aergenteuil to help assisting a sick relative. They would have never asked, knowing all the trouble that would cause her, if they could have done otherwise, her parents wrote. Marie is very close to that aunt and she sobbed in my arms at the thought of losing her and the job all at once. It took time to me and our roommates to comfort her. I told her that she didn't have to worry about the job: we will talk to the girls tomorrow and we will cover for her during her absence. If most agree to help, it will only mean a few extra hours each. Luckily, Marie is well loved at work so things run relatively smoothly, despite the boss' evident contempt. She profuses in an endless series of thank you and praises when I walk her to the carriage station at dawn before heading straight to work. We hug and I give her a tiny slice of that cheap and decadent apple tart the old lady sells at the crossroad. A little treat for the journey home, the only one I can afford. "You're a true friend, Léa. I will never forget this" she says, eyes veiled with tears before taking her seat on board. As the carriage disappears from view, I realise it's the first time we are separated from each other since we first met. Predictably, I end up missing her: we've been around each other for so long that now not walking back home with her, working side by side and sharing lunch on the staircase makes me feel a bit empty, as if a part was missing. Marcel and Alain are busy with work too as festivities approach fast and I have my fair share of Marie's work to worry about. However, from time to time, when I'm not so tired I only want to touch the bed, I pay a visit to the Moulin Rouge. The first time Élodie spots me, she runs straight into my arms, hugging me tightly: she must have thought she would never see me again after our misadventure with the gendarmes. She lets me assist to the acts backstage and I get to befriend other dancers, now used to see me around. I even fix their costumes if they get damaged during the performance. I do it gladly, even if it adds up to my daily amount of work. I usually gets cheek kisses or champagne as payment but sometimes, despite my deflections, they drop some coins into my hand, arguing that the Moulin Rouge tailor is half as good as me. When it happens, instead of saving them, I go buy a dinner at a bistro nearby with Élodie. I'm always starving but she never makes jokes of me for that. I tell her about Marie and the extra hours and, in return, she pretends not to be so hungry and offers me her slices of bread or some mashed potatoes "she won't eat anyway". We talk for hours, until I can keep my eyelids open. We start seeing each other more often. I must admit it's relatively easier now that I don't have to worry about bothering Marie and my friends are busy. Only my roommates look at me differently: I'm positive they suspect I have a secret lover. Now my day off is split between a little work at home in the morning and Élodie. We stroll down the Tuileries Gardens, arm in arm to protect each other against the cold. Élodie loves this place: she doesn't care it's overly popular, to her it's a testament to the the beautiful things people can create, an urban Eden. Who am I to contradict her? The Palace in the distance, the trees, the quiet murmur of the Seine nearby...it's rather gorgeous. One day we bump into a couple of her friends of the Cage of Fools. I could barely recognise gracious Pierrette in her male clothes. She goes by Pierre during the day. "Amélie" the other woman says, offering a hand to shake and I recognise one of Élodie's friends who were playing cards. "We've already met but I don't think I properly introduced myself". I assure her that I remember her. Then, lowering my voice as if I don't know if I can speak freely about it, I ask them about the fate of the Cage. Pierre/Pierrette frowns, she's one of the owners and had a hard time being released by the gendarmes after the arrest. The bar and ballroom is still closed, the authorities denies a reopening. They're planning a night incursion to retrieve all the lost goods, if there's any left. But so far it's hard to tell what will be of the Cage. Then, noticing my sullen expression, she adds: "It will open up again, darling. It's Paris, Pigalle: places like this always rise from their own ashes. We just don't know when and how" We all share a weak smile. The silence is broken by Élodie. "I was thinking of throwing a little party at my place to cheer up the mood" "At your place? But how?" Amélie inquiries, skeptic but intrigued. "A roof party, so there will be space for anyone. We can lit some fires to keep warm. You're all invited and I will ask some girls at the Moulin. A little feast to forget about our sorrows" True to her word, the next week, when I receive a letter from Marie informing me of her upcoming return, she proudly announces me that the party is happening: it's on Saturday night after the act at the Moulin. "Will you be there?" she asks, taking my hand into hers. The sudden gesture draws a smile on my face. We now seat together in bars and bistros very different from the Cage of Fools and I've come to miss casual touches like this. We've been very careful since that raid, especially Élodie. "Of course, I will" I nod over a steamy bowl of soup. She claps her hands excitedly, flashing me a bright smile before scribbling down an address on a scrap of paper she retrieved God knows where. Then she hands it to me. "Don't be late, I'll be waiting for you" Her words colour my cheeks rosy, the warmth in her voice unmistakable. Unsurprisingly, she lives in Monmarte, the artist neighbourhood. I arrive early, afraid to be late. I ate my dinner with great haste once back from work and spent a whole hour getting ready, a detail that -I do not doubt it- cemented my roommates' theory of the secret affair. I washed myself, did my hair up just like Marie taught me, and put on my best dress, which is nothing fancy but I am quite fond of the colour and its lacy sleeves. Once I put kohl on my eyes and some rouge on my lips, I head off into the night. When I finally arrive, I spot some familiar faces in front of the building: Léa's friends. I wave at them and they greet me with affability as if we've known each other for a while. "Good evening, Léa. You're radiant tonight" Pierrette says, kissing both my cheeks. I'm glad to see her back in her female clothes, she even placed a flower in her hair for the occasion. "Élodie hasn't arrived yet, she and the girls must be on their way" Amélie informs me, rubbing her hands. I say that it's fine especially if you're in good company. We chat, hugging ourselves and I discover that they all works as secretaries, bar Pierrette who is "an unsuspecting accountant by day, the best bartender in town by night". Just then, a cheerful choir of voices resounds in the street, approaching. We turn and it's the dancers of the Moulin Rouge. They cheer and wave at us, swaying bottles of wine and champagne raided from the theatre. After a quick round of kisses and loud greetings, we all run up the stairs before catching a cold. Élodie's apartment is messy and rather small for the number of guests attending the party so we quickly take the stairs and head to the roof. The sight is gorgeous: as the others light a couple of fires and one of the dancers harmonises an accordion, I take a moment to admire it. From the top of the hill, Paris lays beneath us like an ocean of light and chimney smoke. An intoxicating combination of misery and beauty I have never seen before. Someone taps my shoulder and I turn to see Carmine, one of Élodie's colleagues, handing me a glass of wine. It's stronger than I expect but I keep sipping it as we chat, grateful to have something to kindle my bones in the cold. A lively tune starts playing and we all share a toast to our host, who performs an exaggerated reverie in full response. The atmosphere is bubbly: some dance, others chat and crack jokes with each other...everyone is in good spirits. I wonder if this is the life my new friend is used to, so careless and free. So different from the one I know. What does she see in me? My ordinary seamstress routine, my life....is a stale dry biscuit in comparison to what she does. I'm saved by the male dance, Laurent, who asks me to dance. I accept: after all, I am here to enjoy myself and he will lead, I only have to follow his moves. As we sway I catch Élodie looking in my direction while chatting with the girls and drinking wine. I have no recollection of how much time we spent there, I remember walking down the stairs arm in arm with Amélie. As some guests take their leave, we gather in the living room and the the tiny kitchen downstairs to keep warm. Laurent produces himself in an impression of Monsieur Ziegler that elicits a general round of laughters. Pierrette and one of the girls sing one last song, a popular duet for the "last ones standing" then say goodbye. When the last guest walks out of the door, Élodie turns towards me. "Stay and help me sinking that?" she asks, nodding at a half empty bottle of champagne. Before I can answer, she's already looking for two glasses. She returns with just one. "You have the glass, I take the bottle" she announces. I laugh at the tipsy note in her voice as she pours liquid ambrosia in my glass. "What?" she chuckles. "Just saying that maybe you should take a seat, mademoiselle" I tease her, guiding her to the sofa. She rolls her eyes and obliges...then at last minute, she pulls me down too. Some champagne sloshes over the rim of my glass but I find a seat beside her. We both giggle. "To the best party host in Paris" I raise my glass. She smiles and mirrors my gesture. "To the most gracious guest, the pearl of Roscoff" We cling our glasses and I blush a little, diverting my eyes. When I look back at here, her eyes rests dreamy on a painting laid nearby on the floor. One of her roommates is a painter, she explains absentmindedly, he finished it yesterday. I tell her she's a real bohemienne, living in the artist quarter with a painter.... "An actress and a music-hall trumpet player. And I'm a dancer myself!" she adds. Then she falls quiet. She smiles to herself, a rather melancholic smile, as if she's contemplating her whole life. "La vie bohème...that's the life I chose" she says after a while. "I've never thought I would achieve that though. I've never thought I would get this far" "How come?" I sit more comfortably and she takes a gulp of champagne before speaking again. She was born in Bordeaux, a place now filled with memories of a lonely grim childhood. Her mother was, is -since she's still alive as far as she knows- a prostitute, who spent more time walking the streets than cuddling her little girl. Sometimes she received clients at home and Élodie ran hiding in the filthy toilet in the garden until they were gone. She never knew who her father was but she likes to think it was a tormented poet or a travelling artist...more likely and ironically, he could have been a gendarme off duty or the spoilt heir of a local noble with a taste for the sordid cheap pleasures the streets of the suburbs offer after dark. Her mother wasn't kind to her -one day when she had a bit too much, she admitted she never wanted a child- but provided for her. She was the one teaching her the can-can. "Decades ago only prostitutes danced like this, now it's different...but I guess it's part of the profession lore, so to speak" she laughs sombrely. "I mean, some girls at the Moulin still do that, dancing and selling their graces to paying admirers. I suppose it's easy to cross the line if you always want more and more and adulation is a weird poison. I don't judge them, if no one is forcing them to do so, they can do what they want...." She turns towards me, placing her hand over mine. I give it a squeeze. "I don't do that, Léa. I don't do that...I saw what that life did to my mother, what it turned her into and when one morning I packed my things and left, I swore to myself to ever do that, even if money was running low, if I could avoid it. I was barely sixteen when I arrived here, alone, in Paris. I was lucky enough to find kind people who didn't take advantage of me...and I...and I started to dance. Dancing gave me freedom" I don't know what made her so suddenly nostalgic, maybe it's the alcohol we had tonight. But her story makes me appreciate her even more: the world has been unkind to her at first, filling her childhood with hardships, but she fought back. She danced away from her misery with ineffable grace and dignity like a brave butterfly. "And now look at you: you're Lila, star of la quadrille" I flash her a bright smile. "I'm proud of you" She laughs softly. "Are you?" "Yes, of course!" I sit a bit straighter, as if it could give my word more authority. "You've faced adversities and you went so far. Only the most talented dancers are allowed to perform in la quadrille!" "You read it somewhere?" "Everybody knows that!" I exclaim, amused and surprised by her skepticism. Then, to prove my point, I hand her my glass and stand. I find a spot clear enough and declare astonished: "Like, I could never dance like you do every night!" And I start mimic the can-can routine at my best, that I'm pretty sure turns out to be a grotesque parody of the real dance. I do it to amuse her and I smile when I finally hear her laughing. She places the bottle and the glass back on the floor and claps her hands, whistling like some spectators do at the Moulin. "What? No, don't clap, that was just silly!" I dismiss her, chuckling. "Well, whatever that was it was...something" she shrugs before bursting into another laughter, softer this time. "Whatever it was? Hear hear, a can-can dancer who doesn't even recognise it!" I make a scene to be offended and throw her a cushion from the nearest armchair. She ducks just in time to avoid it. We both giggle then she stroke her chin and regards me more carefully, pensive. "You have enthusiasm but you lack technique" "Told you I'm a bad dancer" I shrug. The memory of the two of us dancing at the Cage of Fools crosses my mind like a meteor and my heart starts racing again in my chest. "May I?" she says, standing. I nod even if I don't know what she means exactly. I get it when she saunters closer and positions herself behind me. When she gently places her hands on my hips, I inhale sharply. "First of all, you need to loosen up a bit. You're too wooden...sway your hips, like this" She hums the melody of Offenbach and guides my movements so that they match the rhythm. Again, it doesn't take long before I surrender and follow her lead. I don't know how long we sway like this, I must have closed my eyes. I only hear her voice behind me. "See, definite improvement! Now rise your skirt up a little" I freeze and turn towards her. My cheeks warm up and I try to blame the wine I had. "You don't want to trip over your skirt while dancing this, you can hurt yourself" she smiles encouragely. "That's why you do that then...I would have thought..." I shake my head but do as she says. I bend down and reach for the hem of my long skirt then I grab it as I saw the dancers do and lift it up till my the height of my knees. "Well, that's one reason" "I knew there were ulterior motives" I laugh. "The Moulin is not exactly a convent, right? You have to show your legs to the paying audience" she explains, mocking Monsieur Ziedler's voice. "They pay good money for them" "I see no paying audience though" I chuckle, turning my head slightly. "Because you have little imagination, mademoiselle Pearl" she whispers into my ear. Her breath hot on my skin sends a shiver down my spine and my heart pounding against my ribs. "Ready for the gallop? Three, two, one-" "Wait, wait-" Before I can process what's happening, under the lead of Élodie, we gallop from one side of the room to the other, moving laterally like crabs. I understand now: I saw this move over and over during the acts. Élodie gives directions and tells me to sway the skirt as we move. We soon end up laughing again when we almost trip over a tin box on the floor. When we stop, I feel dizzy and lean back against her for sustain. "Enough of that" she announces between laughters. "Now, knee up, girl!" I oblige and start jumping on my other feet. My balance becomes way more precarious. To think that dancers like Élodie make this look so easy...I let out a shriek as I fear of tripping. She encourages me to rise my knee even higher up to my chest. "But I will fall!" "I'll catch you" she reassures me, holding my hips a bit tighter. "C'mon, Léa, a bit higher...higher...yes, like this! You're a natural...and now kick!" I follow her instructions and my kick sends the books on top of a pile nearby flying across the room. It's a miracle they don't land over the painting. "Well, that's one hell of a kick, darling!" Élodie cheers as I lower my leg. Her laughter is contagious, I soon join and we don't stop until we're out of breath. Then I throw my head back and it finds her shoulder. We're still in the same position. I can feel her chest rising and falling against my back and her hands on me. I slowly turn my face towards her and find her looking back at me. We go quiet, trying to catch our breaths. Has she always been so beautiful? This whole time? I remember her cheerfulness, the way she let me spin into her arms and listened to me, resting her chin on her hand at the Cage. How she immediately grabbed my hand at first sign of danger, the tender light in her eyes when our faces were inches apart in that back alley. I decide to do what probably she failed to do that night: I follow my instinct, without thinking twice. I lean forward and brush my lips over hers. A tentative kiss, the lazy stroke of a shy lover. She mirrors my move and our hands move almost at unison: hers around my waist, resting on my stomach; mine over hers, stroking her wrists and intertwining our fingers. The kiss that follows makes me tingle in her arms as a fire erupts underneath my skin. She kisses me again on her own accord this time: it's surprisingly tender and it tastes of rouge, champagne and a refrained passion that finally finds its way. My knees go suddenly weak and I feel dizzy again, lost in our embrace, lost in her. She whispers my name like a prayer and I spin to wrap my arms around her neck and kiss her again. Her hands run up my back, holding me close as if I could run away any minute but there is nowhere else I would like to be now. I cannot refrain a moan when her lips find my jaw and brush over my neck: they burn on my skin and I wish she would never stop. Our kisses become more fervent and fierce as we backpedal down the corridor, bumping into the walls yet uncaring of anything else than the sudden fire consuming us. Élodie pulls me into what must be her room because she kicks the door shut and we soon tumble over a mattress. I fall on top of her, letting out a giggle. I go quiet when I meet her eyes. Illuminated only be the moon light she's the most enchanting vision I've ever seen. Her hair messy and sprawled beneath her, the ruby red of her lips so close I barely refrain myself from running a finger over them. She looks up at me, her eyes gleaming like stars. She reaches out and touches my cheek. She strokes it gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. She looks...in awe, vulnerable, adoring. For a moment I wonder if that's what lovers feel when they look at each other, when they lay in each other arms: a sweet ache of the heart, the purest amazement. "Kiss me again" I whisper, begging as a mendicant even if I don't need to. She finds my mouth again and again and runs her fingers through my hair. I place one hand on her chest and I feel her tremble imperceptibly at my touch. She suffocates a gasp against my lips while her heart hammers underneath my fingertips. I whisper her name this time and I kiss her jaw just like she did earlier, mirroring her moves. My hand runs down her side: I'm too lost in her to know what I'm doing. When I feel her knee beneath the fabric, I caress backwards up her tight, rising her skirt. That's when it happens. Élodie squirms and grabs my hand. She breaks the kiss and asks me to stop. Suddenly ashamed of my hunger, I retrieve my hand and prop myself up. My cheeks must turn crimson when I mutter my apologies. "I'm- I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it too" I let her space to move freely. Hiding her face from me, she sits on the edge of the bed for a moment, breathing hard. Then she stands. I sit and try to compose myself. "What I want....that's not the point" she sighs. "What do you mean?" I ask, confused. "Did I do something wrong?" She still gives me her shoulder. When she speaks again, she hangs her head, defeated. "This has nothing to do with you, Léa. God, no, if you only knew..." She sounds on the verge of tears but she must swallow them back because when she turns to face me her voice is less cracked even if she looks in pain. "Léa, I like you. Way more than I should and since the moment I bumped into you and you talked of fireworks. I gave you my handkerchief only as a mere expedient to see you again and you what you did? You turned it into a little work of art for me and you barely knew me back then. You have a kind word for everyone, you're helping your roommate in a moment of need without asking for anything in return. You're a good girl, one of the most honest girl I know and I..." She takes a deep breath before shaking her head forlornly. "You didn't even fully realise what happened at the Cage" I keep quiet for a moment then I speak, keeping my voice low and fiddling with the hem of a sleeve as a kid being scolded: "The gendarmes wanted to arrest everyone because there were...sapphics and men kissing other men. And people like Pierrette there" I say because I don't know if there are words for them that aren't insults. "...Yes" she confirms, meeting my gaze again. Seeing her now, one could doubt the very same girl was laughing and having a blast one hour ago or so. She looks so troubled, her eyes a mix of tenderness and sorrow. Guilt, maybe. "Léa, I...I would spend the night with you. You wouldn't even have to ask me. But-" she grimaces and my heart skips a beat, bracing for the worst. "What will happen when you hear that this is illegal, that people get sent to jail or the asylum -you remember? We joked about the asylum- for things like this? Because the authorities say it's like an...an illness, a taint-" "Why are you telling me all this?" I protest, standing too. "Because that's what happens out there! It took days to get Pierrette out of jail" she exclaims. "I should have never taken you there, I've been such a fool-" "You're a good girl too, Élodie" I interrupts her, reaching for her hand. "Don't tell me you doubt that" She looks down at our hands then meets my eyes, forlorn. "Am I though?" her sad smile pierces through my heart. "I almost got you arrested that night, little pearl. What would have your boss or your friends said if we hadn't been fast enough and those gendarmes had locked us in together with the others? You barely knew me back then, you would have hated me and I couldn't have blamed you" "But I don't hate you!" Now I am the one on the verge of crying. "We...we would have found a way out, I'm sure of that!" Élodie smiles at me, a weak pained smile. She retrieves her hand and caresses my cheek. "Maybe we would have, just like in one of those ballads chanteuses sing" she sighs. "But the truth is I care too much for you and so far I've only been a reckless fool, a selfish reckless fool. I could never forgive myself if you-" Words got stuck in her throat and she lowers her eyes for a moment. Then she presses a soft kiss on my forehead. "It's too late to walk the street alone at night. You can stay here tonight and...you can take the bed, I'll take the sofa" Having said that, she walks away. "Élodie, you don't have to...please, stay" I beg, hoping to stop her but when I turn she's already closing the door behind her. I consider the idea of running after her but I soon realise it would be absolutely pointless and I don’t want to make things worse. I stand for a moment, shaken. Then I lay down on the bed still warm of our embrace and look out into the night. The moon that made Élodie look even more beautiful and ethereal is still up there in the sky but now I'm alone. Silent tears rim my cheeks. I lay awake for hours, unable to sleep. For some reason I know that Élodie is doing the same.

[crimsoncityhq]

The fall solstice is only days from breaking over the Crimson City. Heat is a rare commodity to the residents of Chicago, so they part with it bitterly every year at the annual End-of-Summer Festival. The season goes out with a bang and the rumble of food trucks every summer as patrons waltz their way down the Chicago art walk, indulge in all things saucy and boozy at the Chicago Bourbon and BBQ Festival, get in touch with nature at the Chicago craft beer tasting at the zoo, and shop at the Chicago flea market littered with street merchants from all over the country. Of course, the real selling point every year is the annual Chicago bar crawl, which sweeps guests through Cook County’s best bars, like The Pint, Rousseau’s, Cataleya, Wolves and Skyfall Bar. To attract more customers, each bar, restaurant, and club—even what goes on behind—will be steeply discounted for the ultimate occasion. 

And if you’re a little territorial, don’t sweat it—no metal detectors will be necessary at the End-of-Summer Festival. Who would want to ruin all this fun, anyway ?!

Part I of the End-of-Summer Festival begins at 7:15 P.M. CST and will conclude on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 at 7 P.M. CST. You may continue your non-event  threads through the event, however we ask you don’t post any starters unless they pertain to the event

Under the cut are plot slots you may claim for this event; just send your preferred slot to the main. Plots slots are a first come, first serve basis.

We’re going to allow each person to choose two plot slots for two characters max .If there are any leftovers, we’ll let members know when they can sign up for thirds. Please try to pick one pertaining to your character and plot with those that take the other spots.

You’ll notice that some of these plots are public, so feel free to have your character react to them/ notice them even if they aren’t happening directly to your character. However, if something feels like it happened privately to another character, please check in with their Mun to see if it’s okay for your character to know.

To be clear: these are not the only things that happen to your character during this plot drop and you are more than welcome to cook up your own trouble.

1. IRA EVANS talks BIRDIE MENDOZA into taking five shots in under ten minutes. Now, it’s up to IRA EVANS to lug BIRDIE MENDOZA to each location on the bar crawl. Good luck—we hear they’re sloppy.

2. [LINCOLN ROSSI ] is having trouble finding their way out of the parking garage when they find [ CHARACTER D ] drunkenly screaming at an intoxicated [ CHARACTER E ]. [ LINCOLN ROSSI ] decides to guide them back to the party before they get lost.

3. [ EDIE JAMES ] accidentally drops a ten instead of a one into the tip jar while watching a street act. They awkwardly remove the tip but later get mugged by [ CHARACTER G ] and [ CHARACTER H ] who had watched the whole thing.

4. The Pint is running a promotion that promises six months of free drinks if you can outdrink two other people. [ LAVRENTI VASILE ], [ ANTON VOLKOV ], and [ ATTICUS MERCER ] compete to win, but the competition turns into drunken chaos very quickly.

5. [ VIOLET MADDEN ]is selected to go onstage and perform a duet with [ CHARACTER M ]. They end up sharing a heated moment over the microphone and head to the nearest restroom to talk. 

6. [ AUTUMN DAWSON ] accompanies [ MARCEL WALSH] to the craft beer tasting at the zoo. [ MARCEL WALSH ] feeds the goats in the petting area before getting mowed over by it. [ AUTUMN DAWSON ] tries to ward the goat off from the sidelines while [ MARCEL WALSH ] returns to their feet to make their escape.

7. [ OAKLEY BUTLER ] is showing off their artwork at the art walk. [ LEONID 'LEO' VASILE ] buys a piece and tries to scam it a few booths down. [ OAKLEY BUTLER ] busts them after a civilian buys the piece of artwork for triple the price. The confrontation is no bueno.

8. [ DIAMOND WASHINGTON ] has been texting [ CHARACTER S ] the whole entire event thinking it was an [ CHARACTER T ]. [ CHARACTER S & CHARACTER T ] meet up at the rendezvous point and [ DIAMOND WASHINGTON ] must sort this miscommunication out.

9. TYSON KANE uses a random dating app and schedules a blind date with [CHARACTER V]. 

10. [ CHARACTER W ] ‘accidentally’ sets a booth on fire, and now owes [CHARACTER X] the money for their artwork.

11. [ NADIA JAMES ] crashes into [ MARISSA ATKINSON’s ] car when trying to park. They have an altercation in the parking garage.

12. [ JUNO SONG ] is seen drunkenly trying to serenade the penguin exhibit to Gangsta’s Paradise. [ ADELAIDE HASSAN ] records the whole entire thing for ‘information purposes’ later.

13. [ CHARACTER C1 ] accepts a small baggy containing a questionable substance from [ CHARACTER D1 ]. Later, [ CHARACTER C1] runs into [ CHARACTER D1] completely convinced they are being chased by a murderous peacock. Bougie Thankskilling, anyone?

14. [ ARMANDE IVASHKOV ] & [ CHARACTER F1 ] stand in line to get into Cataleya, while [CHARACTER G1] tries to convince them to smuggle in [ SMALL ANIMAL OF CHARACTER G1’S CHOOSING ].

15. [ EMMA BARTLETT] finds a trashbag full of cash with a note that seems to be in a binary code. [ CHARACTER I1] catches [ EMMA BARTLETT’s] silhouette & comes over to inspect.

16. ROSALIA LEON trying to escape from their date, runs right through the doors of Gentile Fille. They collide with [ CHARACTER K1] that was there for the same reason. 

17. [ CHARACTER L1 ] finds themself in a pickle when they end up with the primates. Their panicked whispers gain the attention of [ CHARACTER M1] & [ CHARACTER N1] to help them get out of the exhibit. While the primates descend upon [ CHARACTER L1], Helen Branch Primate House will never be the same. [ CHARACTER N1] stops helping because they’re too busy laughing.

18. [ CHARACTER O1] misses their date’s ass, and smacks [CHARACTER P1’s] ass instead. It causes [ CHARACTER P1] to swing a fist, but they hit [ CHARACTER Q1’s] throat instead causing them to start choking. 

19. [ KATERINA VASILE ] is mistaken for [ EMMA WATSON ] by [ CHARACTER S1] that won’t stop bugging them for an autograph.

20. [ RAFAEL GONZALEZ ] hides their weapon(s) before they go into The Pint. [ BARNABY EATON] trips over the weapons and keeps them. 

21. [ CHARACTER V1] tries to convince [ CHARACTER W1] that they saw strange lights in the sky. They start arguing if it was helicopter lights or UFO’s.

22. [ SILAS HALE ] mistakes ANAIS "ANNIE" WASHINGTON for someone else, and pulls them into a kiss in front of the crowd at Eden.

23. [ DARREN MURPHY ] grows impatient waiting for their BBQ food order, but doesn’t realize [ ASLI DEMIR ] hijacked the food truck. 

24. [CHARACTER B2] drunkenly loses a fight with a street performer. [ CALLUM JAMES ], who witnessed the scrap, helps [CHARACTER B2] to the nearest first aid kit.

25.[ JOSIE LEON] drunkenly confesses their love for One Direction, however [ EZRA WASHINGTON ] misinterprets it as a confession of love for them.  

26. [ FOREST DUNCAN ] decides the End-of-Summer Festival is missing some pyrotechnics. They shoot off fireworks in the center of a small crowd and start a fire. [ CAIOLAINN 'CALLIE' WALSH ] is the only one who stays to help them stamp it out.

27. [ ROSALIE "ROSIE" HALLIDAY ] is sitting at a booth being drawn, and [ JESSE VALENCIA ] pays the artist to mess up the self portrait. However, the artist ends up drawing them BOTH together in a romantic position. 

28. [ GWENDOLYN "GWEN" ARNOLDS ] is probably the only poor sober soul, and they use this to charge [ JACKSON MARSTON ] to be their DD. However, they both witness when [ GWENDOLYN "GWEN" ARNOLDS’s] car is towed away for parking in the wrong spot.  

29. A discounted tattoo shop sits along the art walk and is charging only $20 for a small tattoo. [ ANDREA 'ANDY'PEREZ ] says they’ll pay for it—and dinner—if [ DARCY FAUST ] lets them choose the tattoo. [ DARCY FAUST ] agrees but is horrified to find [ UP TO PLAYER DISCRETION ] permanently engraved on their skin.

30. [ OLIVIA MADDEN ] notices an odd tattoo that glows on someone’s forearm. Several straight lines? Before they can inquire about it, [ CHARACTER O2 ] tackle them mistaking them for being a thief. 

31. [ DANICA SINCLAIR ] wins a dancing contest against [ UDORN “YURI” SASIPARN ], but twists their ankle in the process. [ UDORN “YURI” SASIPARN ] agrees to help them along only if they declare them the winner.  

32. [ ANTON VOLKOV ] lost a bet with [ KONSTATIN VASILE ] and now wanders the street with a bright pink wig, fishnet stockings, & a clown mask. 

33. [ VICTOR 'VIC' VOLKOV ] strikes a conversation with [ IGOR VASILE ] over a piece of artwork.  [ VICTOR 'VIC' VOLKOV ] buys the artwork only to find out it was counterfeit from the Art Museum. [ IGOR VASILE ] ends up purchasing the real one. They start to argue which one is the real one. 

34. [ CHARLOTTE "CHARLIE" ARDEN] is running a booth at the flea market and notices [ CHARACTER W2 ] pocket something from an adjacent vendor. [ CHARLOTTE "CHARLIE" ARDEN ] promises not to squeal if [ CHARACTER W2 ] works with them at the booth for an hour.

35.  [ JESSIKA DELMONICO] & [ KELLEN WASHINGTON ] break out into a paint fight at an abandoned art booth. [ JESSIKA DELMONICO ] is splashed with a neon green paint in the face.  [ KELLEN WASHINGTON ] tries to run away, but not before [ CHARACTER X2 ] splashes their back with a brown paint. Did they shit themselves??

36. [ CHARACTER Z2 ] ducks out of the way from a flying object that crashes the window of a closed shop. The alarms start to blare, and before [ CHARACTER Z2 ] can leave the scene they see [ CHARACTER A3 ] about to launch something else. 

37. [ TALIA ARSLAN ] eats a bad hot dog from a food truck, and [ DANICA SINCLAIR ] helps them to the nearest bar for a bathroom and a cool drink. [ TALIA ARSLAN ] talks [ DANICA SINCLAIR ] into doing shots when they’re feeling better.

38. [ LEV VASILE ] takes a few healthy tokes of the joint they’ve been saving for an occasion, and [ GENEVIEVE BISSET ] asks if they’re willing to share. They both light up and head on a self-guided tour to the food trucks.

39. [ CHARACTER F3 ] and [ CHARACTER G3 ] get into an argument with [ MATHIAS ATTANO ] after they lose at a drinking game for the third time in a row. [ MATHIAS ATTANO ] has been cheating the whole time and now has to lose [ CHARACTER F3 ] and [ CHARACTER G3 ] in the crowd.

[mysticalhearth]

P

Parade - Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center - February 16, 2015 (SJ Bernly's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Jeremy Jordan (Leo Frank), Laura Benanti (Lucille Frank), Charlie Franklin (Frankie Epps), Emerson Steele (Mary Phagan), John Ellison Conlee (Hugh Dorsey), Alan Campbell (Governor John Slaton), Joshua Henry (Jim Conley), Nathaniel Stampley (Newt Lee), Andy Mientus (Britt Craig), Eric Anderson (J.N. Starnes), Davis Gaines (Judge Roan), Ramin Karimloo (Tom Watson), Andrea Jones-Sojola (Minola McKnight), Katie Rose Clarke (Mrs. Phagan), Rachel de Benedet (Sally Slaton), John Jellison (Mr. Peavy), Caitlin Houlahan (Iola Stover), Allie Trimm (Essie), Ephie Aardema (Monteen), John Jellison (Luther Rosser), Andrea Jones-Sojola (Angela), Charlie Franklin (Young Confederate Soldier), Eric Leviton (Officer Ivery), Nathaniel Stampley (Riley) NOTES: A fantastic capture of this one-night-only concert at Avery Fisher Hall. Jeremy and Laura give incredible performances, as does Joshua Henry and too many others to name. Jason Robert Brown gives a speech after the curtain call. Truly an epic night of theatre. This is a very near perfect video with no obstruction and only slight washout in wide shots. There are two quick dropouts in the first few minutes, but the concert is otherwise fully captured. It’s filmed in 16:9, with a mix of wides, mediums, and close-ups. The sound is excellent. Includes curtain call, Jason’s speech, and playbill scans. Parade - Broadway - December 8, 1998 (Preview) (House-Cam's master) FORMAT:  VOB (no smalls) (SD) CAST: Brent Carver (Leo Frank), Carolee Carmello (Lucille Frank), Kirk McDonald (Frankie Epps), Christy Carlson Romano (Mary Phagan), Herndon Lackey (Hugh Dorsey), John Hickok (Governor John Slaton), Rufus Bonds Jr (Jim Conley), Evan Pappas (Britt Craig), Don Chastain (Judge Roan), John Leslie Wolfe (Tom Watson), Jessica Molaskey (Mrs. Phagan), Brooke Sunny Moriber (Iola Stover), Megan McGinnis NOTES: Made from closed-circuit system in Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Stage shot entire time; decent picture and good sound. Also possibly from February 27, 1999. Parade - Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles - November 1, 2009 (Matinee) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: T R Knight (Leo Frank), Lara Pulver (Lucille Frank), Curt Hansen (Frankie Epps), Rose Sezniak (Mary Phagan), Michael Berresse (Governor John Slaton), David St Louis (Jim Conley), Davis Gaines (Judge Roan), PJ Griffith (Tom Watson) NOTES: Released as 2 Disc DVD. One short blackout in the first act, and some washout in the wides; very little obstruction with some heads on the bottom and the sides, but nothing major; good clear and steady video with nice picture and sound. Passion - Netherlands - 2004 (Pro-Shot's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Vera Mann (Fosca), Stanley Burleson (Giorgio), Pia Douwes (Clara) Peter Pan (National Theatre) - London - 2016-, 2017 (Pro-Shot's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Paul Hilton (Peter Pan), Anna Francolini (Captain Hook), Madeleine Worrall (Wendy Darling), Marc Antolin (John Darling), John Pfumojena (Michael Darling), Felix Hayes (Mr Darling), Saikat Ahamed (Tinkerbell), Felix Hayes (Smee), Saikat Ahamed (Curly), Lois Chimimba (Tiger Lily), Lois Chimimba (Slightly), Laura Cubitt (Twin One), Felix Hayes (Twin Two), Amaka Okafor (Jane), Ekow Quartey (Nana), Ekow Quartey (Tootles), Anna Francolini (Mrs. Darling) Phantom (Yeston/Kopit) - North Shore Music Theatre - 1994 FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Ron Baker (Erik/The Phantom), Kristin Chenoweth (Christine Daaé), Marc Kudisch (Count Philippe de Chandon), Michael Dantuono (Gérard Carrière), SuEllen Estey (Carlotta) Phantom (Yeston/Kopit) - Takarazuka - 2011 (Pro-Shot's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Tomu Ranju (Erik/The Phantom), Ranno Hana (Christine Daaé)

Piaf - The Netherlands - January 9, 2009 (Pro-Shot's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (SD) CAST: Liesbeth List (Edith Piaf), Esther Roord (Toine), Daphne Flint (Young Edith Piaf), Geert Hoes (Marcel), Ara Halici (Paul), Jan Elbertse (Lucien), Eliane Feijen (Madeleine) Pippin - Broadway Revival - July 13, 2013 (SunsetBlvd79's master) FORMAT:  VOB (no smalls) (SD) CAST: Patina Miller (Leading Player), Matthew James Thomas (Pippin), Terrence Mann (Charles), Charlotte d'Amboise (Fastrada), Andrea Martin (Berthe), Rachel Bay Jones (Catherine), Erik Altemus (Lewis), Ashton Woerz (Theo) NOTES: Beautiful HD capture of the 2013 Tony Winning Revival. I certainly see why Patina and Andrea won their Tonys. A sleek and stunning revival with performances and ideas to die for! Certainly not to be missed! A Pippin - Broadway Revival - June 14, 2014 (SunsetBlvd79's master) FORMAT:  VOB (no smalls) (SD) CAST: Ciara Renée (Leading Player), Kyle Dean Massey (Pippin), Terrence Mann (Charles), Charlotte d'Amboise (Fastrada), Andrea Martin (Berthe), Rachel Bay Jones (Catherine), Erik Altemus (Lewis), Andrew Cekala (Theo) NOTES: Wonderful HD capture of the new leads who have joined the cast. The show is still in top shape, Kyle gives a great Pippin and beautiful voice to match! Ciara gives some great vocal variations of her own. A Pippin - Broadway Revival - December 30, 2014 FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) |  TRADER'S NOTES: Working on uploading, PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST CAST: Carly Hughes (Leading Player), Josh Kaufman (Pippin), John Dossett (Charles), Charlotte d'Amboise (Fastrada), Priscilla Lopez (Berthe), Rachel Bay Jones (Catherine), Mike Schwitter (Lewis), Eli Tokash (Theo)   Pippin - World AIDS Day Benefit Concert - November 29, 2004 FORMAT:  VOB (no smalls) (SD) CAST: Ben Vereen (Leading Player), Billy Porter (Leading Player), Darius de Haas (Leading Player), Kate Shindle (Leading Player), Rosie O’Donnell (Leading Player), Michael Arden (Pippin), Terrence Mann (Charles), Julia Murney (Fastrada), Charles Busch (Berthe), Laura Benanti (Catherine), Cameron Mathison (Lewis), Harrison Chad (Theo), Adam Fleming, Barrett Foa, Caitlin van Zandt, Cheyenne Jackson, Colin Hanlon, Erin Quill, Jenna Leigh Green, Jennifer Malenke, John Tartaglia, Jordan Gelber, Josh Young, Julie Garnye, Kate Pazakis, Kearran Giovanni, Kristoffer Cusick, Marty Thomas, Michael Longoria, Natalie Joy Johnson, Randy Redd, Robb Sapp, Sara Chase, Sriram Ganesan NOTES: If you've been wanting to see Rosie O'Donnell perform "Magic To Do" with a dancer in a bikini top grinding up on her, then look no further! *Ben Vereen, Darius de Haas, Billy Porter, Rosie O'Donell, Kate Shindle as the leading players The Pirate Queen - Broadway - March 24, 2007 (Preview) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Stephanie J Block (Grace (Gráinne) O'Malley), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Marcus Chait (Donal O'Flaherty), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara), William Youmans (Sir Richard Bingham) The Pirate Queen - Broadway - April 11, 2007 FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Stephanie J Block (Grace (Gráinne) O'Malley), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Marcus Chait (Donal O'Flaherty), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara), William Youmans (Sir Richard Bingham) The Pirate Queen - Broadway - April 13, 2007 (SunsetBlvd79's master) FORMAT:  VOB (no smalls) (SD) CAST: Stephanie J Block (Grace (Gráinne) O'Malley), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Marcus Chait (Donal O'Flaherty), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara), William Youmans (Sir Richard Bingham) NOTES: Wonderful crystal clear capture and top notch amazing performances. Much improved from Chicago version. Includes performance on the the View. A+ The Pirate Queen - Pre-Broadway / Chicago - October 8, 2006 FORMAT:  MP4 (SD) |  TRADER'S NOTES: PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST. Working on uploading :) CAST: Stephanie J Block (Grace (Gráinne) O'Malley), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Marcus Chait (Donal O'Flaherty), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara), William Youmans (Sir Richard Bingham) The Play That Goes Wrong - Broadway - May, 2018 (NYCG8R's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Mark Evans (Chris Bean), Preston Truman Boyd (Robert Grove), Jonathan Fielding (Jonathan Harris), Amelia McClain (Sandra Wilkinson), Alex Mandell (Max Bennett), Harrison Unger (Dennis Tyde), Ashley Bryant (Annie Twilliol), Akron Watson (Trevor Watson) NOTES: (not Master's notes) Beginning from pre-show where the comedy 'bit' of the set breaking starts. Throughout, very clearly shot with no obstructions, in a mixture of wides and closes, following the action well. I think it's shot from the front of the circle. Once or twice the camera falls but never during key moments, and is quickly fixed. No long blackouts. Audience energy is great. The Play That Goes Wrong - West End (Duchess Theatre) - March, 2020 (hitmewithyourbethshot's master) FORMAT:  MTS CAST: Ross Green (Chris Bean), Tom Bulpett (s/b Robert Grove), James Watterson (e/c Jonathan Harris), Ellie Morris (Sandra Wilkinson), Milo Clarke (Max Bennett), Michael Keene (Dennis Tyde), Leah Penston (s/b Annie Twilliol), Blayar Benn (Trevor Watson) Pokémon Live! - First National Tour - December 30, 2000 (House-Cam's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (SD) CAST: Dominic Nolfi (Ash Ketchum), Heidi Michelle Weyhmueller (Misty), Dennis Kenney (Brock), Darren Dunstan (Giovanni), Lauren Kling (Jessie), Andrew Rannells (James), Dee Roscioli (Delia Ketchum), Patrick Frankfort (Professor Oak), Jennifer Risser (Pikachu), Kathleen Roche (Meowth), Leah Smith (Psyduck), Shaun Bradley (Mewtwo), Leah Smith (Jigglypuff), Natalie Weld (Nurse Joy), Suzanne Wogisch (Officer Jenny), Sinclair Mitchell (Dexter) NOTES: HOUSE-CAM and soundboard. Shot from the back of the theatre with some washout. Upgraded file with audience heads cut out and cropped image retaining all action Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience - Off-Broadway - May 23, 2012 FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Daniel Clarkson, Jefferson Turner NOTES: All seven Harry Potter books condensed into seventy minutes. Full/mid stage shot. Pretty Woman: The Musical - Broadway - January 16, 2019 FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Samantha Barks (Vivian Ward), Adam Pascal (t/r Edward Lewis), Jennifer Sanchez (u/s Kit De Luca) NOTES: A lot of washout. Wide shot. Shot from the mez. Pretty Woman: The Musical - Broadway - February, 2019 (NYCG8R's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Samantha Barks (Vivian Ward), Adam Pascal (Edward Lewis), Eric Anderson (Mr. Thompson/Happy Man), Jason Danieley (Philip Stuckey), Kingsley Leggs (James Morse), Orfeh (Kit De Luca), Tommy Bracco (Giulio) NOTES: (not Master notes) Seems a fantastic capture of the show. Virtually no dropouts, obstructions and spotlight washout. Filmed more centre than the preview recording by the same master; mix of wides, mediums and some closeups; very good capture of the sets and actor choreography. Both are worth watching. Pretty Woman: The Musical - Broadway - July, 2018 (Preview) (NYCG8R's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Samantha Barks (Vivian Ward), Andy Karl (Edward Lewis), Eric Anderson (Mr. Thompson/Happy Man), Jason Danieley (Philip Stuckey), Ezra Knight (James Morse), Orfeh (Kit De Luca), Allison Blackwell (Violetta), Tommy Bracco (Giulio), Brian Cali (Fred/Alfredo), Robby Clater (David Morse), Anna Eilinsfeld (Susan/Scarlett) NOTES: (not Master notes) Seems a fantastic capture of the show. Virtually no dropouts or obstructions. More spotlight washout than the Feb 2019 recording by the same master, but it's very minimal. Filmed at slight angle and with more closeups compared to the other recording. Very good capture of the actors' expressions. Both are worth watching. Pretty Woman: The Musical - Hamburg - September 25, 2019 (Preview) (Rumpel's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Patricia Meeden (Vivian Ward), Mark Seibert (Edward Lewis), Paul Kribbe (Mr. Thompson/Happy Man), Nigel Casey (Philip Stuckey), Frank Logemann (James Morse), Maricel (Kit De Luca) Pretty Woman: The Musical - Pre-Broadway/Chicago - April 13, 2018 (SunsetBlvd79's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Samantha Barks (Vivian Ward), Steve Kazee (Edward Lewis), Eric Anderson (Mr. Thompson/Happy Man), Jason Danieley (Philip Stuckey), Kingsley Leggs (James Morse), Orfeh (Kit De Luca) NOTES: Beautiful HD capture of the PreBroadway production. This includes Steve as Edward before he left the production prior to Broadway. Such a fun show with terrific performances and a rare glimpse of Steve in the role! A Pride and Prejudice - TheatreWorks Silicon Valley - December, 2019 (Pro-Shot's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Mary Mattison (Elizabeth Bennet), Sharon Rietkerk (Jane Bennet), Justin Mortelliti (Fitzwilliam Darcy), Travis Leland (Charles Bingley), Monique Hafen (Caroline Bingley) NOTES: Streamed by TheaterMania on April 10, 2020. Hosted by Julie James, Laura Osnes, and Beth Leavel. The Prince of Egypt - West End - March 5, 2020 (BwaytoWestEnd's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved) NOTES: Approx 12 gb stageshot filmed from stalls. Audio is awful most of the time. Master of this is BwaytoWestEnd The Prince of Egypt - West End - February, 2020 (hitmewithyourbethshot's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Iman Pabani (Young Miriam/Leah/Young Hebrew Girl), Leo Babet (Young Aaron/Young Egyptian Boy/Young Midian Boy) NOTES: This video is never to be publicly shared on YouTube, tumblr, Facebook, Stage Dork etc. The Prince of Egypt - West End - February, 2020 (hitmewithyourbethshot's master)

FORMAT: video CAST: Luke Brady (Moses), Liam Tamne (Ramses), Alexia Khadime (Miriam), Christine Allado (Tzipporah), Gary Wilmot (Jethro), Silas Wyatt-Barke (Aaron), Joe Dixon (Seti), Debbie Kurup (Queen Tuya), Tanisha Spring (Nefertari), Adam Pearce (Hotep), Mercedesz Csampai (Yocheved), Iman Pabani (Young Miriam/Leah/Young Hebrew Girl), Leo Babet (Young Aaron/Young Egyptian Boy/Young Midian Boy) NOTES: This video is never to be publicly shared on YouTube, tumblr, Facebook, Stage Dork etc. The Producers - Hollywood Bowl - July 28, 2012 FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Richard Kind (Max Bialystock), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Leo Bloom), Gary Beach (Roger De Bris), Roger Bart (Carmen Ghia), Rebecca Romijn (Ulla), Dane Cook (Franz Liebkind) NOTES: Excellent capture of this year's Hollywood Bowl production. Action is followed well with a mix of wides, mediums, and close-ups. The first minute of the show is missing, and the next few minutes are a bit shaky with scattered blackouts, but after "The King of Broadway" it settles and the majority of the show is captured nicely. SPOILER: Before "Keep It Gay" started, when Roger says "What's the word?" someone from the audience shouted out "Gay" which sent the cast into a laughing fit. The Prom - Broadway - August 11, 2019 (Matinee) (Closing Night) (StarCuffedJeans's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Caitlin Kinnunen (Emma Nolan), Brooks Ashmanskas (Barry Glickman), Isabelle McCalla (Alyssa Greene), Beth Leavel (Dee Dee Allen), Christopher Sieber (Trent Oliver), Michael Genet (Mr. Hawkins), Angie Schworer (Angie), Courtenay Collins (Mrs. Greene), Josh Lamon (Sheldon Saperstein), Becca Lee (Kaylee), Kalyn West (Shelby), Teddy Toye (Nick), Josh Franklin (Motel Clerk), Drew Redington (Kevin), Courtney Balan (Olivia Keating), Anthony Norman, Brittany Conigatti, Fernell Hogan, Jack Sippel, Jerusha Cavazos, Joomin Hwang, Mary Antonini, Shelby Finnie, Sheldon Henry, Vasthy Mompoint NOTES: Gift upon request. Unobstructed closing performance with the full cast! Starts in the beginning of "Changing Lives" and is a little washed out. For whatever reason my camera was mad at me and didn't want to focus in the beginning of Act One. It warmed up and got better, and to be honest I opted for wider shots because everyone was doing crazy things and I didn't want to miss anything. I stood up for all but one of the standing ovations and when I did so I have no idea what my camera did or what it was looking at. I would say sorry but it wouldn't be true. I'm just so damn proud of all of these people. Please do not post this bootleg publicly! The Prom - Broadway - February, 2019 (NYCG8R's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Caitlin Kinnunen (Emma Nolan), Josh Lamon (u/s Barry Glickman), Isabelle McCalla (Alyssa Greene), Beth Leavel (Dee Dee Allen), Christopher Sieber (Trent Oliver), Michael Genet (Mr. Hawkins), Angie Schworer (Angie), Courtenay Collins (Mrs. Greene), David Josefsberg (u/s Sheldon Saperstein) NOTES: Excellent capture! Josh mistakenly mentions Alyssa in 'Tonight Belongs to You' despite not being meant to know her name at this point. The last three minutes of the show are from a different performance, during previews, with Brooks Ashmanskas as Barry and Josh Lamon as Sheldon, but it is a full video in total. The Prom - Broadway - March, 2019 (StarCuffedJeans's master) FORMAT:  MP4 (HD) CAST: Gabi Campo (u/s Emma Nolan), Brooks Ashmanskas (Barry Glickman), Isabelle McCalla (Alyssa Greene), Beth Leavel (Dee Dee Allen), Christopher Sieber (Trent Oliver), Michael Potts (Mr. Hawkins), Angie Schworer (Angie), Courtenay Collins (Mrs. Greene), David Josefsberg (u/s Sheldon Saperstein), Becca Lee (Kaylee), Susie Carroll (s/w Shelby), Teddy Toye (Nick), Drew Redington (Kevin), Courtney Balan (Olivia Keating) NOTES: This video starts at "Dance With You" and is super focused on Gabi. There are less heads in this than most of my videos and a railing that gets in the way occasionally, but they were mostly worked around. The cast as a whole is doing top notch work, though at times you can tell that Brooks and Izzy are just back from being sick. Overall this is a really great video of one of my favorite shows, and I'm really proud of myself for containing my crying at the end of act one. The Prom - Pre-Broadway / Atlanta - September 17, 2016 (SunsetBlvd79's master) FORMAT:  VOB (with smalls) (SD) CAST: Caitlin Kinnunen (Emma Nolan), Brooks Ashmanskas (Barry Glickman), Anna Grace Barlow (Alyssa Greene), Beth Leavel (Dee Dee Allen), Christopher Sieber (Trent Oliver), Martin Moran (Mr. Hawkins), Angie Schworer (Angie), Josh Lamon (Sheldon Saperstein) NOTES: Beautiful HD capture of the Pre-Broadway tryout. A really touching and funny new musical, led by a hilarious cast of Broadway veterans. A perfect mix of comedy and drama.

[lonelier-version-of-you]

seeing people on twitter saying rosie marcel didn’t deserve all the best performance wins saying she’s not that good and complaining about the way she treated holby after she left… girl what about the way holby treated HER???

"the way she treated Holby" I. WHAT.

Holby Twitter baffles me more and more every day. People are entitled to their own opinions about her acting, as wrong as they may be lmao, but she actually treated Holby better than they deserved after how they treated her.

[josephbyrne]

“Love isn’t soft, like those poets say. Love has teeth which bite and the wounds never close.”

[keziah-jade97]

Masterclass in acting by Rosie Marcel

[diamedical]

what are your favourite traits about Jac or underappreciated parts of her character?

ahh I could probably go on for days about this but here’s a few things:

the creative insults! her put downs are top tier! if she’s going to rip someone to shreds she’s going to be WITTY and look good doing it. who does she do it for? is she just amusing herself? bet she’s one of those docs with a sassy anonymised twitter account 

similarly: she makes v specific references loads? the amount of times i’ve had to google in order to get the joke (nb: this might be because i’m not v bright). do her colleagues get what she’s talking about or do they just nod and go along with it  

ngl was first drawn to her bc she’s fit. my gay awakening. good work Rosie Marcel

her background - she’s an ‘underdog’, so a big f u to all the private school white boys because medical schools are still full of them. (but also i like that her past isn’t used to excuse how she acts or to paint her as some kind of saint. it’s just there) 

a true Problematic Fave. she has been horrible! loads! v dubious moral compass at times

when she was at her most ambitious she lit would do anything without giving a fuck !! makes you want to watch with your hands over your eyes but i love it 

absolute idiot at times. i mean, obviously also v smart. but a big dumb babby

the character growth! jac-makes-a-friend was one of my favourite storylines 

plenty of other stuff ! let me know what you like about her if you want! i’m always happy to chat about jac lol

[sassyrequin]

The only good thing about this episode was Rosie Marcel’s acting and Ange’s yellow suit